Frahthi Cave in Argolida – One of the most ancient settlements in Europe

Porto Heli and AKS Conference Centre are located near Frahthi (or Francthi) cave of Argolida, one of the most ancient paleolithic settlements in Europe that seems to have been inhabited for many millennia in different stages of human civilization. Frahthi cave has been of great interest to archeologists and scientists, since it hides signs on how the prehistoric people lived on our continent, but is also a very exciting trip for those who visit the area.

Frahthi cave is located by the bay of Koilada in Argolida, a 15-minute drive to the north from Porto Heli. Koilada is a very beautiful village, famous for its fish taverns and its well taken care of coast. Frahthi cave is a different challenge altogether, since it is found in a rough area very close to the sea. To go there you’ll need to hike or go by boat to the nearest beach, where you’ll climb, with a bit of difficulty, to the cave.

The archeological evidence shows that it may have been inhabited by the Neanderthals themselves, more than forty thousand years ago, but scientists are at least certain that the Frahthi cave was inhabited by the current species of humans after 30000 BC.

A visit to the Frahthi cave is a magnificent experience. You will see signs of civilization, you will see signs of archeologists, you will also see signs of shepherds, since the cave in modern history and all the way throughout the twentieth century was used as a shelter to protect herds from adverse weather. Its identity, however, was much different during the Stone Age, where it sheltered hunters and fishermen and, even, hunter-gatherers. The sea was farther away, the cave had a view to the whole valley below and the cave’s inhabitants could oversee everything.

It’s no accident that Argolida was the place that people in prehistory chose to live in. The climate is temperate throughout the year and the winters are not particularly difficult, nature is generous in game and fish – we can’t say the same about cultivating the land, since human civilization was not there yet and that would be almost impossible to happen in the mountainous regions of Argolida.

If you’re ever at Porto Heli, on a conference or vacation, Frahthi cave is only a few minutes away by car. It will be one of the most memorable visits to an archeological site, because, if nothing else, it offers something entirely different and unusual.

AKS Conference Centre Peloponnese